Dolly Parton Appears as Hologram in Dollywood’s ‘A Christmas Carol’

Four actors appear via cutting-edge technologyin new show featuring eight songs written by Parton

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – Guests love the four million dazzling lights, award-winning entertainment and delicious food for which Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana is known. However, it may be one of Dollywood’s newest “performers” who leaves them buzzing.

New this year is the groundbreaking production of Dollywood’s A Christmas Carol, which uses holographic technology to bring Dolly Parton to the stage as the Ghost of Christmas Past. This special twist on Charles Dickens’ classic story marks the first time holograms have been featured in this family-favorite tale. Thanks to this new technology, Parton will perform, albeit as a hologram, in each performance.

Parton’s Ghost of Christmas Past, Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Present and Future are life-sized holograms, marking the first time four actors appear via the cutting-edge technology in the same theatrical production.

“When they told me they were going to make a hologram out of me, I thought they were crazy,” Parton said with a laugh. “But when I saw how real it looked on stage, I couldn’t believe it. I’m not sure this world can handle two Dolly Partons, but I’m excited folks will be able to see ‘the other Dolly’ reminding families that it’s not what you have but who you have, just like ole Scrooge figures out in the end.”

Set amid lavish Victorian scenery, Dollywood’s A Christmas Carol is underscored by eight powerful new songs written by Parton especially for this 45-minute musical of redemption and hope. Because the story is set in the U.K., Parton gave the music a classic U.K. feeling by infusing each song with classic Scots-Irish rhythms as well as musical and lyrical structures borrowed from traditional English folk songs.

This heartwarming tale about the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge features a 16-member cast, fully orchestrated musical tracks and period costuming.

Several other beloved shows return, including Christmas in the Smokies, An Appalachian Christmas, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, O’ Holy Night, Christmas with The Kingdom Heirs and Carol of the Trees. Guests also can experience the nightly Parade of Lights, a festive procession of larger-than-life toys and characters, as well as Santa’s Workshop, where the smallest guests can share their wish list with Kris Kringle.

Dollywood’s popular Smoky Mountain Miniature Railroad returns after a well-received 2012 debut. This multi-level display features several model trains snaking through an elaborate and beautifully decorated miniature landscape. This kid-favorite attraction pulls in to the station at the Wings of America stage in Craftsman’s Valley.

Smoky Mountain Christmas guests can upgrade a paid one-day admission ticket to a regular 2014 season pass for just $27 (plus tax). Ticket purchasers receive credit for the value of a one-day ticket ($56) toward the purchase of a 2014 season pass. A season pass purchased during Smoky Mountain Christmas provides unlimited admission to this year’s Christmas festival along with Dollywood’s entire 2014 season. (A one-day ticket is valid for upgrade on the day of visit only.) Also, guests who purchase a Dollywood one-day ticket after 6 p.m. receive free admission to the park’s next operating day.

About The Dollywood Company A highly awarded and widely recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country and Dollywood Cabins. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; the reigning five-time Golden Ticket Award winner; and recipient of 21 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more than any other theme park in the world). Open nine months a year (late March through early January), Dollywood offers rides and attractions, shows, and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s most beautiful waterparks and named 2009’s Must-See Waterpark by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Dollywood Cabins offers luxurious cabin accommodations overlooking Dollywood. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit Dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.